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Hallmark University vs Arlington Career Institute: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, San Antonio TX · vs · Private for-profit, Arlington TX

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Hallmark University comes closer — median earnings $40,183 against a $50,052 total, vs $36,674 at Arlington Career Institute. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHallmark UniversityArlington Career Institute
Net price / yr$12,513$24,633
Total net cost$50,052$98,532
Median earnings, 10 yrs$40,183$36,674
Median debt$25,438$8,347
Payback
20-year net return-$213,592-$332,252

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Hallmark University or Arlington Career Institute?

Hallmark University, at $12,513 a year after aid versus $24,633 — a gap of $12,120 a year, or $48,480 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Hallmark University or Arlington Career Institute graduates earn more?

Hallmark University graduates report a median $40,183 ten years after entry, $3,509 more than the $36,674 at Arlington Career Institute. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Hallmark University or Arlington Career Institute?

Arlington Career Institute: its completers carry a median $8,347 in federal loans versus $25,438 at Hallmark University, a difference of $17,091. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at Arlington Career Institute, against 66% at Hallmark University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Hallmark University vs Arlington Career Institute: frequently asked questions

Is Hallmark University or Arlington Career Institute a better value?
Hallmark University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Hallmark University or Arlington Career Institute?
Hallmark University: $12,513/yr net price after aid versus $24,633/yr at Arlington Career Institute — a difference of $12,120 a year, or about $48,480 over four years.
Do Hallmark University or Arlington Career Institute graduates earn more?
Hallmark University graduates earn a median $40,183 ten years after entry, versus $36,674 at Arlington Career Institute — a $3,509 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.